4.3 earthquake hits Kent
Published on : 28/04/2007
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An earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale hit the Folkestone area in Kent this morning at about 08:10 BST.
Police were called after rubble fell into the street and there was damage to some buildings in the locality.
An earthquake at a depth of five kilometres caused the tremor, located off the coast of Dover in the English Channel.
Eurotunnel services are operating as normal and there are no major problems on the county's transport networks, although the Western Docks in the area have reported a loss of power.
The majority of the structural damage to buildings involves cracked chimneys and so far there are no reports of any serious injuries, Kent police said.
Emergency services are advising against any travel to the Folkestone area while the situation is addressed and residents concerned about their properties should ring Shepway council, although these lines are currently very busy.
A Police spokeswoman confirmed reports of a possible earth tremor earlier this morning after eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang and feeling shudders.
One Folkestone resident heard a loud noise during the course of the morning and subsequently decided to stay at home rather than travel to nearby Canterbury.
The US Geological Survey provisionally placed the tremor at 4.7 on the Richter scale.
Many residents walked out onto the street after the quake and were shocked at the events which unfolded.
